The History and Beliefs of The Nusayri/Alawite Sect in Syria

#Islam #YasirQadhi #History

Please LIKE, COMMENT, & SHARE!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

► Credits:

*Note: No musical instruments were used in this video, all background noise is human acapella.*

Intro & Outro Nasheed
Artist: Ibraheem Bakeer
Produced by: MAQAMAT INSTITUTION
Copyright reserved and reproduced exclusively with permission for Yasir Qadhi's Official YouTube Channel.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

► Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi - Official Social Media Pages


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

© Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi - Official YouTube Channel

[checkmate]

I love these history lectures. No one else talks about this stuff anymore.

[Eddiea]

As a Sunni Muslim from Aleppo, Syria, I want to share the harsh realities of the oppression we have endured under the Assad regime and the Alawite ruling class. This isn’t just my personal story—it’s the story of an entire community systematically marginalized, suppressed, and brutalized for over five decades. Let me provide some historical context and facts to help everyone understand the magnitude of what has happened in Syria.

Hafez al-Assad’s Rise to Power and Systematic Oppression

Hafez al-Assad, an Alawite, seized power in Syria through a military coup in 1970. With the help of loyalists and rebels within the Ba'ath Party, he overthrew his rivals and established a regime that placed Alawites in the highest positions of power. This coup marked the beginning of systematic oppression, particularly targeting Sunni Muslims, who make up the majority of Syria’s population.

Under Hafez’s rule, the military and intelligence agencies became overwhelmingly dominated by Alawites. Sunni Muslims were deliberately excluded from high-ranking positions and kept under constant surveillance. Here are just a few examples of the atrocities carried out during Hafez’s regime:

1. The Hama Massacre (1982):
In February 1982, Hafez al-Assad ordered a brutal crackdown on the city of Hama to suppress an uprising led by the Muslim Brotherhood. The military bombed entire neighborhoods, killing an estimated 20, 000 to 40, 000 civilians. Sunni-majority areas were systematically targeted, and this massacre remains one of the deadliest single acts of state violence in modern Middle Eastern history.


2. Mass Detentions and Torture:
Sunni Muslims were routinely arrested, tortured, and executed for perceived opposition to the regime. Prisons like Tadmor (Palmyra) became infamous for their inhumane conditions and horrific torture methods. The 1980 Tadmor Prison Massacre alone resulted in the deaths of over 1, 000 Sunni prisoners in a single day.



Bashar al-Assad’s Continuation of Oppression

When Bashar al-Assad took power in 2000, many hoped for reforms, but the oppression only intensified. Since the Syrian revolution began in 2011, the regime has committed countless atrocities against Sunni-majority areas.

1. The Siege of Homs (2011-2014):
Sunni neighborhoods in Homs were bombarded relentlessly during the early years of the uprising, resulting in thousands of deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands.


2. The Ghouta Chemical Attack (2013):
The Assad regime used sarin gas on civilians in Eastern Ghouta, killing over 1, 400 people, including many women and children. International condemnation followed, but no substantial action was taken against the regime.


3. Targeting Sunni Communities:
Cities like Aleppo, Idlib, and Douma have faced repeated bombings and sieges. Sunni-majority areas were starved, shelled, and subjected to mass displacement. The goal has been clear: to punish Sunnis for opposing the regime and to weaken their presence in key regions.



The Role of the Alawite Regime

The Alawite ruling class has used its control of the military and intelligence services to maintain power through fear and violence. Alawites disproportionately occupy leadership positions in the army and secret police. Many Alawite militias have been directly involved in massacres, theft, and assaults on Sunni civilians. This isn’t a generalization about all Alawites, but the ruling elite has weaponized sectarianism to ensure loyalty and suppress dissent.

Geopolitical Manipulation

Syria’s suffering isn’t just internal. Zionist Israel and the U.S. exploit the chaos for their own gain, extracting resources like oil and gas while claiming to fight terrorism. These powers have strategically cut off supply routes for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, using Syria’s instability to weaken regional actors. Meanwhile, groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda, portrayed as enemies of the West, are in fact tools backed by Zionist Israel and the U.S. to destabilize the region further. This leaves Syria in a lose/lose situation: oppressed internally and exploited externally.

Our Hope and Faith

Despite all of this, we Sunni Muslims place our trust in Allah (SWT). Syria is destined to face trials and tribulations, as foretold, but we have faith in Allah’s ultimate plan. Al-Balad al-Sham, a blessed and significant land, will be liberated. Those who oppress, exploit, and harm will be held accountable, for Allah (SWT) knows best.

I share this not just to inform but to invite reflection and dialogue. If you have questions about Syria’s history, the oppression we’ve faced, or the role of faith in our resilience, please ask. Educating ourselves and others is the first step toward justice and understanding.

[hamda]

It’s a important lecture for people who are starting to pay attention to Syria and the what’s going on there. Thank you so much 😊

[qalbunsaleem]

Sheikh Yasir Quadhi is my fountain of knowledge, and I drink from the fountain of knowledge regularly!! May Allah grant him jannahtul fredous, ammen

[omerchaudhry]

I had negative image of Yasir Quadhi due to propaganda against him by some quarters but listening to him was a nice surprise - will surely listen to him more to gain good knowledge and guidance

[VibeGaming]

I love Yasir Qadhi, he explains it so simply. Alhamdulillah im gaining more knowledge about our religion

[nasreenkhan]

I knew nothing about the Alawiee or that a Sect like this existed. Jazak Allah Khair, Sheikh Saheb, for imparting this knowledge to all of us.

[purplepurple]

So much confusion and sectarianism. I want the Islam of Prophet's time. Simple n straightforward

[purposeful]

BarakAllahufeek Dr. Yasir Qadhi for the timely history lesson.

[nasreenkhan]

May Allah Tallah give our Sheikh a long and healthy life so that the Ummah can benefit from his knowledge. Duas from India

[SamAntonio-wjfu]

Alhamdulillah, thumma Alhamdulillah... Imagine how lucky, fortunate and indebted one must be to have been born as a sunny muslim and committed to following the religion of Islam seriously and wholeheartedly....Indeed Allah SWT is ever forgiving and eternally merciful.

[jamshidakhter]

"Alhamdulillah, it’s heartening to see Syria moving towards freedom from oppression. The recent advances by the opposition forces are a significant step forward. However, we must acknowledge that there are still many challenges ahead. May Allah (SWT) bring khair (goodness) out of this situation and guide the people of Syria towards peace and stability. Ameen."

[Styrophoamicus]

My God, this really makes me appreciate how simple our deen actually is.

[dinatall]

Thank you dr yasir for this lecture, so interesting !always french, big haters of islam!!!but islam will Always win because it's the truth.

[atiyacozycorner]

than you for the informative video.May allah guide the alawites/Nusayris.

[khaledshams]

These lectures ❤. No way I miss these. Just Love it. Prayers for My Teacher Dr. Yasir Qadhi. Requesting a series for Islamic Historical stories of different regions.

Again Love from 🇧🇩

[zeemanzeeman]

Wow, now I understand why the Syrian leaders including military generals are so cruel.
Thank you Dr Qadhi for spreading the valuable knowledge. Jazakallah alkheir

[OmarEldasher]

What an amazing and hectic time. May Allah guide us.

[LA-iimx]

Alhamdulillah, great news coming out from
Syria. Hope the country unites peacefully under one leader.

[sadiameher]

Masha allah... That was some profound knowledge... May Allah be pleased with u Sheikh Yasir....